This is still planned for next spring. Yes, I do prepare a little bit in advance.

Mar 21, 2007

Iteration 21 March 2007: Moving On

In order to move to Seattle, I need to do the following things:

1. Build up my savings. I want to have enough to cover all moving expenses, as well as all living expenses for six months. I've done this move before, and I know from experience that even if there's a job waiting on the other end, things are so much easier if I've got a nice thick cushion of money to handle any emergencies. (And pay for kitty tranqs. Ursa is fine with driving — loves it, even — but Monkey was Not a Happy Girl the last time I did this. She's tripled in age since then, and I can't imagine she'll be pleased. Tranqs will help ease her trauma...which is all to the good.)
2. Find a job. A friend has graciously offered their services in putting my resume in front of key people at Microsoft. I'm going to have to turn that down, though. I don't know that I could work there without making waves (wearing a tee shirt with a penguin, for example, or sporting Google schwag), and this would not reflect well on my friend. Could possibly get said friend into trouble. This is not a good outcome (though I giggle at the thought of sending Ballmer into another hissyfit: “What's a Microsoft employee doing wearing Linux gear? Are they a communist?!??” )
3. Find a place to live. Sure, I could do this once I'm there; but a little research can mean the difference between finding a place I love, or living in a hotel for a week then taking anything I can find. I've found a complex that looks very promising, and I've been assured that it's in a pretty good area. Now I just need to go up, tour the place and make sure that it lives up to its advertising, and (probably) get on a waiting list.
4. Research both a GP and a neurologist. I may be able to get recommendations from my current medicos; but then again, they may not know of anyone that far away. Finding a neuro is always interesting, because I have to find someone who's able to deal with more of a patient than MRI readings and CAT scans.
5. Clean up my credit. I'm already on my way to doing this; but a higher credit score will not only help me get into the aforementioned desirable apartment, it could help on any job search. It may also decrease the initial amount I'll have to put down for utility service.
6. Get my car fixed up. If I'm going to be driving that far (or even towing it), I'll want my car in good condition.
7. Find out how to set up a sole proprietorship in Seattle. I know the rules for my current location. I don't know the rules for the state of Washington.
8. Get a new TV. There is no personal income tax in Washington state. However, sales tax is a Right Royal Bitch. I'm probably better off making major purchases here rather than there...especially since my current TV is over 30 years old and really, really, REALLY needs replacing.
9. Rewrite my business contracts for the new state. There may not be much rewriting involved, but there will be some. If nothing else, I'll need to change the bit that dictates the laws governing, and location for, any arbitration or court proceedings. I haven't needed this clause yet; but better to be safe than sorry.
10. I should easily be able to find a good vet when I get there. I have friends who live there (including the one who told me that the apartment complex was in a good neighborhood - the neighborhood where they grew up, in fact) so I can get recommendations from them. They can also tell me how to get to all the good bookstores, and which traffic areas to avoid like the plague.
11. Research cars. My current car isn't dying, but I should think about getting a new one in the next few years. How do hybrids perform in light to medium snow conditions, I wonder..? (Yet another reason to bulk up my credit rating: to get a good price on a car, new or used.)
12. Get better walking shoes. My favorite sandals are fine for warmer weather; but I only really have two pairs of shoes suitable for lots of walking and wet...and the neighborhood I'm targeting has (or offers) both.

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